The project has been in the works for years. Some state and local officials say the winding country road is outdated and unsafe. Some people, including some residents, say the widening is unnecessary and removes too many trees.

The state also last month awarded a $58.3 million contract for completion of a 9-mile stretch of the Fall Line Freeway.

Balfour Beatty Infrastructure of Fleming Island, Fla. won the contract.

They're supposed to construct 9 miles of highway in Baldwin and Willkinson counties, between US 441 and Highway 24.